Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Knee Active Range of Motion

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Ask the patient to move each knee through the full range of motion in flexion and extension. Compare sides and note any pain or restriction.

How to Interpret

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References

Research in progress on one or more findings above; ratings may change.

  • Solomon DH, Simel DL, Bates DW, Katz JN, Schaffer JL. The rational clinical examination. Does this patient have a torn meniscus or ligament of the knee? Value of the physical examination. JAMA. 2001;286(13):1610-1620. doi:10.1001/jama.286.13.1610. PMID: 11585485.
  • Fowler PJ, Lubliner JA. The predictive value of five clinical signs in the evaluation of meniscal pathology. Arthroscopy. 1989;5(3):184-186. doi:10.1016/0749-8063(89)90168-0. PMID: 2775390.
  • Stiell IG, Greenberg GH, Wells GA, et al. Prospective validation of a decision rule for the use of radiography in acute knee injuries. JAMA. 1996;275(8):611-615. PMID: 8594242. (Derivation: Ann Emerg Med. 1995;26(4):405-413. PMID: 7574120.)
  • Deepak S, Priti G, Zishu T, Chetan P. The sitting active and prone passive lag test: a validity study in a symptomatic knee population. J Phys Ther Sci. 2023;35(5):312-319. doi:10.1589/jpts.35.312. PMID: 37131358. PMC10149295.
  • Kastelein M, Luijsterburg PAJ, Wagemakers HPA, Bansraj SCS, Berger MY, Koes BW, Bierma-Zeinstra SMA. Diagnostic value of history taking and physical examination to assess effusion of the knee in traumatic knee patients in general practice. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009;90(1):82-86. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2008.06.027. PMID: 19154833.
  • Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
  • Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.